BA (Hons) Education and Learning
Course Overview
The BA (Hons) in Education and Learning is a fascinating degree at the University of Bolton that allows you to study a balanced combination of current educational policy and the history, sociology, philosophy and psychology of education. It's an excellent opportunity to explore in-depth some of the key current issues affecting education in the UK and abroad.Key themes in this course include critical and reflective thinking, equality and diversity. By thinking about how we learn consciously and subconsciously, we'll explore how formal learning, alongside acquired knowledge, shapes our lives, interests and value structures.
We also encourage you to research and analyse a range of educational practices and reflect on your own and others' experiences of education. This will help you think critically about learning and teaching, and how education is perceived and received.
You'll be well prepared for postgraduate studies when you complete this course successfully. Although the course doesn't lead directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you'll have first-hand experience in schools or other educational establishments to support your application for teacher training.
Highlights
- Our Education courses are ranked first in the UK for student experience and seventh in the UK for teaching quality by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, so you can be assured that we offer high standards of tuition and pastoral care.
- Also, our Education courses are top in the UK for course and feedback satisfaction, according to the Guardian University Guide 2022.
- Small class sizes mean a more keenly focused attention on your learning needs and strategies for success.
- You'll be studying at a university known for its friendly atmosphere and get to learn alongside students from a variety of backgrounds, each with an individual and unique perspective on education.
- Our professional and approachable tutors will guide and support you throughout your course, offering attentive one-to-one support.
Key Features
- The programme is designed to help you gain some of the knowledge and experience required for direct entry to initial teacher education courses (QTS) or entry-level employment.
- You'll have the chance to take on a systematic and reflective study of education that's illustrated and informed by the diversity of teaching and learning approaches in different sub-sectors of education.
- You'll be able to take at least one placement opportunity in an educational setting, where you'll observe learning and teaching in progress and talk to teachers and students about their roles and experiences.
- Our teaching draws on your own learning experiences as a starting point for understanding the formal educational process. This means contributing to research and discussion through critical reflection on your own education and by listening to others' experiences.
- By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.
Entry Requirements
- 112 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T-levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
- Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Subjects relevant to the study of education are preferred.
- You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
- Please note that if you intend to progress to an initial teacher education qualification (PGCE) in Primary teaching after completing this degree, you'll need GCSEs at grade C or above or grades 4 to 9 in English Language, Mathematics and Science. If you don't have these qualifications on entry to the BA (Hons) Education and Learning, you'll need to achieve these qualifications independently while you study towards the degree. Please be aware that the following Level 2 qualifications are not accepted for entry to a Primary PGCE: Adult Literacy, Adult Numeracy, Functional Skills, Key Skills in Application of Number, and Key Skills in Communication.
- If you don't possess A-levels and/or GCSEs and intend to progress to an initial teacher education qualification (PGCE), especially Primary, after completing this degree, we would strongly recommend contacting potential PGCE course providers to clarify what their entry requirements will be.
- We’d love to have an informal chat with you about this course, either over the phone or in person. If you wish to meet in person, please contact the programme leader to arrange a mutually convenient time. Our open days are an especially good time to visit us and find out more. (While we reserve the right to interview you or ask you to undergo other forms of assessment to determine your suitability for study, it's not our usual practice for this course.)
- This course involves working unsupervised with children and/or vulnerable young people and adults and you must gain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting your studies. Charges are payable to cover the cost of the DBS Enhanced Disclosure application and annual registration with the online Update Service.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- Please note that this course is subject to the University's Fitness to Practice declaration.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
On the BA (Hons) Education and Learning, you'll have the chance to develop specific knowledge and skills surrounding educational issues, theories of learning, equality and diversity, education policy and practice, creativity and education, and a general understanding of education in social, political and economic contexts.
In addition, as a graduate of this degree, you'll possess generic skills that are highly sought-after in a wide range of sectors. These can include communication skills, providing evidence-based written and spoken arguments, ICT, research and analytical skills, problem-solving and self-management.
What can I do with this qualification?
Achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through completion of a PGCE or equivalent postgraduate qualification is a popular route for education graduates. Or you may prefer to develop a deeper understanding with a master's course in education or a related social science in subjects such as educational management or global educational leadership. Ultimately, you might consider a PhD in an education-related subject.
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Some of these careers include:
- Education officer
- Family liaison
- Educational psychology
- Educational administration
- Educational writing
- Careers guidance
- Training and development
- Quality standards
- Community engagement
- Youth work
- Social work
- Play therapy
- Human resources
- Publishing
- Market and policy research
- Librarianship
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
| Year of study | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Year | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | 2027/28 | 2028/29 | |
| 2025-26 | £9,535 | £9,535 | £9,535 | - | £28,605 |
| 2026-27 | - | ||||
International Fees
| Year of study | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Year | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | 2027/28 | 2028/29 | |
| 2025-26 | £17,500 | £17,500 | £17,500 | - | £52,500 |
| 2026-27 | - | ||||
Bursaries
Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
If you wish to apply for multiple institutions or multiple courses at Bolton for September entry, then apply through UCAS
You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.
The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.
You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:
Institution Code Name: BOLTN
Institution Code Number: B44
Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com
If you wish to apply for a single course offered by the University of Bolton for any intake, you can apply directly
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply directly to the University using our online application form shown below.
A direct application to Bolton provides the following features:
Free of charge to apply
Secure, simple and streamlined
Contact us directly for any admissions queries
Regular updates on your application directly from the University
Invites to offer holder events and taster sessions where you can meet your future tutors and get a flavour of university life
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Bolton BA(Hons) Education and Learning - 22 September 2025
International Applicants
Thank you for your interest
In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.
Partner Organisation Applicants
University of Bolton Group Partners
Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Bolton
For valued members of the University of Bolton Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.
When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Bolton BA(Hons) Education and Learning - 22 September 2025
We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!
Teaching & Assessment
Learning and teaching for this course are supported by blended learning using a combination of face-to-face sessions and online resources. We'll help you develop your research skills while you mould your own approach to individual learning and independent research. You'll also have lectures, seminars and group work to help you progress successfully.
Assessment tasks are linked to each module's intended learning outcomes, while course assignments are based on coursework – varying from academic essays to e-discussions, presentations and seminars. Assessment tasks involve research exercises and may require you to submit reflective journals and case studies. There are also reflective activities, such as Personal Development Planning (PDP), where using relevant theories and reflective tools will help you relate theory to practice.
All the while, we'll provide feedback on your written assignments during tutorials and following presentations. We encourage presentations in some modules so you can familiarise yourself with this important experience.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- BA Research and Study Skills
- Theory and Practice of Learning
- Inclusive Education
- Creativity, Critical Thinking and Culture
- Pursuing Literacy and Numeracy
- Being A Teacher
- Globalisation
- Educational Issues, Developments and Policies
- Learners with Additional Needs
- Classroom Cultures
- Placement
- Proposal
- Philosophy of Education
- Psychology of Education
- The Illusion of Inclusion
- Educational Leadership
- Dissertation
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Coursework 100% Practical exams 0% Written exams 0% |
| Level 2 | Coursework 100% Practical exams 0% Written exams 0% |
| Level 3 | Coursework 100% Practical exams 0% Written exams 0% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 70% Placement/study abroad 0% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30% |
| Level 2 | Guided independent study 62% Placement/study abroad 8% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30% |
| Level 3 | Guided independent study 74% Placement/study abroad 0% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 26% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
